Preventing falls is an important part of maintaining independence and overall health, especially as balance and strength change with age. Improving balance through activities such as tai chi can strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and enhance body awareness. Regular physical activity also supports improved fitness, coordination, and stability, which may reduce the risk of falls. Proper foot care and wearing supportive footwear also play an important role in maintaining safe movement and balance. Foot pain, structural changes, or instability can increase the likelihood of losing balance while walking. A podiatrist can evaluate foot structure, recommend supportive footwear, and provide treatments that improve stability and comfort. If you have sustained a foot or ankle injury from falling, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective treatment and prevention tips.

Preventing falls among the elderly is very important. If you are older and have fallen or fear that you are prone to falling, consult with one of our podiatrists from Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors will assess your condition and provide you with quality advice and care.

Every 11 seconds, an elderly American is being treated in an emergency room for a fall related injury. Falls are the leading cause of head and hip injuries for those 65 and older. Due to decreases in strength, balance, senses, and lack of awareness, elderly persons are very susceptible to falling. Thankfully, there are a number of things older persons can do to prevent falls.

How to Prevent Falls

Some effective methods that older persons can do to prevent falls include:

• Enrolling in strength and balance exercise program to increase balance and strength
• Periodically having your sight and hearing checked
• Discuss any medications you have with a doctor to see if it increases the risk of falling
• Clearing the house of falling hazards and installing devices like grab bars and railings
• Utilizing a walker or cane
• Wearing shoes that provide good support and cushioning
• Talking to family members about falling and increasing awareness

Falling can be a traumatic and embarrassing experience for elderly persons; this can make them less willing to leave the house, and less willing to talk to someone about their fears of falling. Doing such things, however, will increase the likelihood of tripping or losing one’s balance. Knowing the causes of falling and how to prevent them is the best way to mitigate the risk of serious injury.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

A broken toe often occurs after stubbing the foot against a hard surface, dropping a heavy object on it, or during sports activity. The toe may look swollen, bruised, or slightly crooked, and the skin can become red or tender. Many patients describe sharp pain at the time of injury, followed by throbbing discomfort that worsens while walking or wearing shoes. In some cases, movement of the toe becomes limited, and pressure along the bone increases pain. While some minor fractures can heal with protection and rest, others require more careful treatment. A podiatrist will perform a detailed examination, and may order X-rays to determine the location and severity of the break. Treatment options include protective taping, a surgical shoe, or an immobilizing cast to allow proper healing. Targeted exercises may later help restore strength and flexibility. If you have a broken toe, it is suggested that you schedule an appointment with a podiatrist for appropriate treatment.

Broken toes may cause a lot of pain and should be treated as soon as possible. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors will treat your foot and ankle needs.

What Is a Broken Toe?

A broken toe occurs when one or more of the toe bones of the foot are broken after an injury. Injuries such as stubbing your toe or dropping a heavy object on it may cause a toe fracture.

Symptoms of a Broken Toe

• Swelling
• Pain (with/without wearing shoes)
• Stiffness
• Nail Injury

Although the injured toe should be monitored daily, it is especially important to have a podiatrist look at your toe if you have severe symptoms. Some of these symptoms include worsening or new pain that is not relieved with medication, sores, redness, or open wounds near the toe.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.

Flat feet, also known as fallen arches, occur when the arches of the feet collapse or do not develop properly, causing the entire sole to touch the ground. There are flexible flat feet, where an arch appears when not bearing weight, and rigid flat feet, where the arch is always absent. Heel stretches gently lengthen the Achilles tendon to reduce strain and improve flexibility. Tennis ball rolls massage the sole to relieve tension and stimulate muscles. Arch lifts strengthen intrinsic foot muscles by raising the arch while keeping toes grounded. Additionally, calf raises build lower leg strength to better support foot structure. A podiatrist can assess alignment, recommend orthotics, and design a personalized treatment plan. If you have pain or discomfort from flat feet, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can offer effective relief and management solutions. 

Exercising your feet regularly with the proper foot wear is a great way to prevent injuries and build strength. If you have any concerns about your feet, contact one of our podiatrists from Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

Exercise for Your Feet

Exercise for your feet can help you gain strength, mobility and flexibility in your feet. They say that strengthening your feet can be just as rewarding as strengthening another part of the body. Your feet are very important, and we often forget about them in our daily tasks. But it is because of our feet that are we able to get going and do what we need to. For those of us fortunate enough to not have any foot problems, it is an important gesture to take care of them to ensure good health in the long run.

Some foot health exercises can include ankle pumps, tip-toeing, toe rises, lifting off the floor doing reps and sets, and flexing the toes. It is best to speak with Our doctors to determine an appropriate regimen for your needs. Everyone’s needs and bodies are different, and the activities required to maintain strength in the feet vary from individual to individual. 

Once you get into a routine of doing regular exercise, you may notice a difference in your feet and how strong they may become.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.

Sesamoiditis is a painful condition involving irritation and inflammation of the tendons surrounding the sesamoid bones. These are small bones located beneath the big toe joint that help absorb weight and assist with movement when walking and running. The condition develops from repetitive stress, overuse, or excessive pressure on the ball of the foot. Symptoms often include aching pain beneath the big toe, swelling, bruising, and discomfort that worsens with activity. Activities that place repeated strain on the forefoot, such as ballet dancing and sports, are more likely to cause this condition. A podiatrist can provide an accurate diagnosis, offloading strategies, and customized treatment. If you have pain in this part of your foot, it is suggested that you consult a podiatrist who can accurately diagnose and treat what may be going on. 

Sesamoiditis is an unpleasant foot condition characterized by pain in the balls of the feet. If you think you’re struggling with sesamoiditis, contact one of our podiatrists of Florida Ankle & Foot Institute. Our doctors will treat your condition thoroughly and effectively.

Sesamoiditis

Sesamoiditis is a condition of the foot that affects the ball of the foot. It is more common in younger people than it is in older people. It can also occur with people who have begun a new exercise program, since their bodies are adjusting to the new physical regimen. Pain may also be caused by the inflammation of tendons surrounding the bones. It is important to seek treatment in its early stages because if you ignore the pain, this condition can lead to more serious problems such as severe irritation and bone fractures.

Causes of Sesamoiditis

• Sudden increase in activity
• Increase in physically strenuous movement without a proper warm up or build up
• Foot structure: those who have smaller, bonier feet or those with a high arch may be more susceptible

Treatment for sesamoiditis is non-invasive and simple. Doctors may recommend a strict rest period where the patient forgoes most physical activity. This will help give the patient time to heal their feet through limited activity. For serious cases, it is best to speak with your doctor to determine a treatment option that will help your specific needs.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our offices located in Tavernier, Marathon, and Key West, FL . We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs.